3 Reasons to Watch MAX, the Movie

MAX – Best Friend – Hero – Marine

MAX the movie is being released this Friday, June 26th and as a dog with a blog, I get to review the movie. It premiers this week in the big cities around the nation. I have been able to actually view a movie premier on the big screen in the past but that option was not open to me with this movie…only people reviewers could get free tickets… so my pet parent Amelia is not going either.

1. Military Movie

We do, however, support the military and all that they do to keep our country safe. MAX is an action-packed family movie inspired by true events so you should put this on your “action” list and attend the movie.

We learned a new term in reviewing this movie…”military working dog.” These military working dogs are not “service dogs.” Their role is much different…much more dangerous. These dogs can also suffer from post traumatic stress disorder.

2. Breed of Choice For the Military and Law Enforcement

We also learned that the Belgian Malinois has become the breed of choice to serve as MWDs for military forces and law enforcement agencies across the United States and throughout the world. They are leaner than a German Shepherd, highly focused and when trained, can smell drugs and bombs and find bodies. They can also be deadly and are trusted to guard the White House and the President of the United States. You don’t want to mess with a Malinois.

Belgian Malinois

So as the story goes, things went terribly wrong on the battlefront in Afghanistan and Max’s handler Kyle was killed. This left Max in a state of confusion…erratic and dangerous…suffering from PTSD. In the past, dogs such as Max would be euthanized. Thanks to Robby’s Law, which went into effect in 2000, military working dogs are no longer automatically euthanized. They can now be adopted by their handlers or other former handlers.

Max did not trust the other handlers so Kyle’s family was given the option of adopting him into civilian life. Kyle’s teenage brother was given the responsibility of caring for him…even though he possessed few dog skills…but he learned how to communicate with Max. This is an intriguing story of how this family and Max come together after losing Kyle. Part of the vision for this movie by the creators was to up the stakes for Max, the title character and certainly fitting back into civilian life was a high stake to achieve.

Max with Justin

Life after the U.S. Marine Corps is an adjustment for the elite, trained canines but in Max’s case, it is particularly difficult. The mystery of what happened to Max and Kyle that day inadvertently entangles Justin and his friends in a dangerous situation that escalates quickly and tests Max and Justin’s fragile new relationship.

3. Family Friendly

The co-creator/producer/executive director of this movie explains it this way, “Max became a metaphor for loss and for getting this family to understand and deal with that loss. And to discover what they need to do in order to reconnect with each other.”

Each member of this family is dealing with their grief on different levels so there are many heartfelt, emotional moments. You can watch the exciting Max movie trailer here:

Do you think of your pet as a hero? MAX has a fun social media program for you. You can submit your dogs for the #HeroPet activation. Go to this page. Tell MAX on Facebook why your pet is your hero! Go to Instagram (@MaxMovie) and do the same. Share your photos and stories using the hashtags #HeroPet and #MaxMovie on social media for a chance to be featured on Max’s official pages!

Do you know a military person or dog with PTSD? Will you attend this movie? Leave your comment below. We’d love to hear from you.